The discussion is a result of demand from neighborhood associations after the success of previously installed cameras in solving and deterring crime.

But camera installation in all the neighborhoods where they have been requested is cost prohibitive, and the township, which has around 12 cameras installed so far, will discuss the possibility of neighborhoods creating special assessment districts to pay for them.

The cameras’ cost can vary depending on what software is needed or if a server is required, but five cameras that monitor the entrances to the West Willow neighborhood and several other areas within cost around $30,000 in the first year.

One camera runs $3,900, and a server that would support 32 cameras is an additional $3,800. Installation costs another $600 per camera.

Verizon’s 4G service costs $40 per month, which costs an additional $480 annually. There is a one-time setup charge of $250 and an annual system charge of $500. Camera and software service charges of $141 per month add nearly an additional $1,700 to the annual bill.

“Township residents active in neighborhood watch are very supportive of having cameras installed at the entrance ways to their neighborhoods,” Clerk Karen Lovejoy Roe said. “Because of the residents’ requests for the cameras the board sought out a way to assist residents in having the cameras installed for crime prevention and crime solving.”

Supervisor Brenda Stumbo called the cameras an effective tool for investigating crimes.

“We are discussing how to finance through special assessment process. This was discussed previously and we have neighborhood watches that want to have cameras installed, but we have costs,” Stumbo said.

In May 2012, the images provided by the cameras directly led to the arrest of a man accused of sexually assaulting several minors in West Willow

The township has cameras in place in West Willow, Harris Park and near a pedestrian bridge that crosses over Interstate 94 between Rosewood Street to the north and Gault Village to the south.

The cameras are fixed in place in five locations, cannot zoom, only record public places and do not face any homes. The cameras are wireless, transmit images via cellular service and are attached to DTE Energy-owned utility poles. The camera and its supporting metal pole can be moved and reattached to a different utility pole if necessary.

The cameras start recording still images upon detecting motion in an area and transmit full color images back to a central computer. The images are selectively downloaded by the sheriff's department for investigative purposes. Images not downloaded are over-written by the device every four to five days, depending on the volume of activity.

While a live stream isn't provided and no one regularly monitors the recordings, police can preview and download the images from a computer at the police station as needed. Multiple deputies are trained in using the equipment.

Lovejoy Roe stressed that cameras are not pointed at private property.

"Of course the cameras are not able to gather video in individual's yards or homes and are set to pick up the roadways, vehicles, license plates in the right of way," she said.